LUNAXXX intended for worldwide release, physical version in the west, new details
LUNAXXX is a Switch game that could be easy to forget about. It had a low-key reveal at BitSummit last May, but is worth keeping an eye on since original Chibi-Robo director Kenichi Nishi is involved.
What we saw last year was more of a prototype. The game returned to the Tokyo Game Show a couple of weeks ago in a more complete form, and Pygmy Studio provided a proper update on its status.
First, here’s a progress report from the team:
“We’ve come a bit farther since [last year’s TGS]. This time we brought a version closer to what we intend to be the ‘final version.’ Up until now, the idea was just for the player to reach the goal; this time, however, the goal is for the player to ‘gather a certain number of creatures within the time limit’ – this is closer to what we’re going to release.”
We’re also hearing that a worldwide release is in the cards, with plans for a physical version in the west:
“While the short of it is ‘soon,’ it’s also a game that still needs to stew for a bit. I think we’re aiming for a simultaneous international release, though. Japan is seeing a download version of the game and we’re selling physical copies of it overseas, so we need a bit more time to get everything together. That being said, I’d like to have the game out by early next year.”
Famitsu also shared new information about the game itself. Below are a few off-screen images plus details:
The iron giant featured in the game’s opening demo – Luna – also made an appearance in the game Luna-tan. The opening’s gentle monologue will resonate with players that drift through life, day by day.
The display version had five stages the player could pick from. Each stage has three rounds, each round being more difficult than the last.
From the starting point, the player will start by catching as many animals as they can. By continuing to press the button in time with the tempo, the animals will gradually stick together and follow the player.
From there, the player will then try to climb upwards with their animals while avoiding any obstacles. By twisting the left Joy-Con, the player can move their rope left or right; by moving the right Joy-Con like a fishing reel, the player can also hoist themselves upwards. If the player is too careless and builds up too much momentum, they may lose some of the animals they’ve caught!
The player can also change their character’s appearance by changing their outfit. The outfits not only change the character’s appearance, but their performance as well – be sure to experiment with all of the different outfits in-game!
I got a chance to play the game too! The game makes full use of the Joy-Con, and it really feels like you’re suspended mid-air; because of that, there were plenty of times where I’d find myself moving without thinking! Overall, I got the impression that playing the game is going to be really exciting when taking turns with friends.
The flora and fauna that the player can obtain varies from stage to stage. Adults enjoyed the demo as an action game, while kids… and the head of the “Dream Factory”… were more concerned with what animals they could and couldn’t catch.
Ms. Lisa Higashi (the songwriter for the currently-inactive idol group “Namahamu to Yakiudon”) was responsible for the game’s opening theme. Her music is highly acclaimed by the head of the Dream Factory. Her younger sister, Noelle Higashi sings the game’s main theme.
